We were at the local antique mall and spotted two Singer machines there. One is very old, 1930's and in need of work but with a wooden table. The other is newer, early 50's, with a blond table. We've sent the older machine down to sewingmachinesteve in VA for repair to get it working but the other seems fine except the needle does not go up and down. It appears to be frozen in place. Even with taking the needle out it only goes a tiny bit and stops.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be causing this? Any "mechanic's" out there? My hubby was sure he could fix it but he has a problem turning on a faucet so of course he couldn't and I don't want him to make the matters worse.

By the way, both machines were only $45 and I'll post pictures later.
:|

Roberta....
Lostn51 has a tutorial on cleaning and repairing old machines...
You also can ask him about how to fix the "newer" machine

Cant wait to see pictures! I really dont have any idea why the one couldbe seized up.......Billy or Charlee would probaly know!

My DH says there is a stripped gear or a loose set screw. He repairs SM for all of my friends and their friends LOL. However, he did have a Husqvarna brought to him that the needle wouldn't go up and down. He took it apart and found the "ex husband" during a divorce had put glue on the inside. LOL That was a real mess to clean up. Gr8 find for you Good Luck

If my DH did that to my machine during a divorce, he would be 'Mr. Bobbitt" come morning.
Don't ya mess with my machines and I won't mess with your equipment.

Oh my goodness...you are sooo funny! (But I agree! :thumbup: )

I couldn't find the tute but it's one of those days when I can't find my way to the kitchen, fibromyalgia flare-up in full bloom.

what a stinker!!! Still better than some divorce stories I've heard, like the lady who had to give up the house to hubby & new bimbo so she put shrimp shells in the curtain rods. Pew!

The 28 I got was 'froze up' - it was just gunky oil from over the years - give it a squirt of PB Blaster (available in spray can from walmart) and be prepared for a mess....

If it moves alittle it is a good thing and probably just needs to be oiled from sitting so long. Here is the link to the first tutorial.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-45816-1.htm

I would oil and let it sit for awhile. Wiggle the hand wheel and see if it moves some more. It may take a day or two. Or you can do the cleaning that is in the tutorial. It will work for the new machines also and would be the best in the long run for your machine to clean all the old stuff out. Don't be afraid, it is very easy to do. And Billy is the expert that you can get all kinds of support and help in the Vintage Machine shop post.